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Best time to visit

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March through May and September through November are the best times to visit Louisiana, offering mild temps, moderate crowds, and acceptable prices. Spring might be rainy and stormy, but generally the weather is comfortable, with ample sunshine, blooming flowers, and spectacular Easter parades. Fall in the state is all about long days full of glorious sunshine, warm temps, and things to do outdoors. Moreover, the foliage is at its peak, and a lot of attractions like the Louisiana State Fair are so appealing. June through August is not the best time in terms of weather. Expect unbearable heat and humidity with intensive rainfall and possible thunderstorms. Only a cooling Sno-Ball can make your presence on the beach halfway agreeable. 4th of July celebrations and the Red Dress Run add up to the seasonal advantages. December through February brings short cold days, freezing nights, and low hotel rates, making Louisiana heaven for budget travelers. So dress warmly and join the Lafayette Mardi Gras Celebration in February.

58 things to do in Louisiana

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

April 25-May 5, 2024 Event

One of a kind celebration of the unique culture and heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana with a true jazz spirit

Plantation Pilgrimage

September–November | March–May Activity

If you are in New Orleans or Baton Rouge, you just can't miss seeing the old plantations!

New Orleans Red Dress Run

August 10, 2024 Event

A flamboyant run in red dresses accompanied by great music and plenty of beer

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

March 16–17, 2024 Event

New Orleans changes the perceptions of St. Patrick's Day celebration

Shrimps

April–February Food

Although available year-round frozen shrimps are nothing like fresh white and brown ones!

Tennessee Williams Literary Festival

March 20-24, 2024 Event

Even if you are not a fan of literature, nothing in New Orleans is ever boring!

Sno-Ball

March–October Food

Sno-ball, not snow cone, is New Orleans' favourite armour against the long summer heat

Mardi Gras

February 13, 2024 Event

The festival that has made New Orleans famous!

Crawfish Season

December—July Food

It's crawfish time! Definitely the most important food season in New Orleans

Wild Alligator

September Food

Farm raised alligator is available all year, but it is also more expensive than the wild alligator, available only during this period

Azaleas

March–April Nature

Enjoy the beautiful pinkish flowers blooming during this period

Oysters

November–April Food

Although Louisiana oysters are available year round, best time are the cooler months

New Orleans World Naked Bike Ride

June 8, 2024 Event

New Orleans has been taking part in the World Naked Bike Ride since 2009

Swamp Tours

May–October (all year round) Activity

The most exciting and easy way to discover Louisiana's famous swamps and bayous

Hiking

September–May Activity

Marshes, forests and bayous—there's a lot to explore around New Orleans

Voodoo Music + Arts Experience

October 2024 Event

The loudest of Halloween events in New Orleans

Louisiana Iris

April Nature

A symbol of beauty, this flower even has a Krewe named after it

Rubber Duck Derby

May 13, 2023 Event

Thousands of rubber ducks race for the grand prize of $5000

Southern Decadence

August 29-September 2, 2024 Event

Known as Gay Mardi Gras, the festival is extravagant and joyful

Easter Parades

March 31, 2024 Event

For New Orleanians, Easter is a special time with more parades!

New Orleans 4th of July Fireworks & Events

June 3-7, 2024 Event

The Big Easy City is great at celebrating! Summers here are hot, and so are the festivities

Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade

October 19, 2024 Event

New Orleans would never miss a chance to dress up and party

NOLA ChristmasFest

December 20-30, 2024 Event

Get into Christmas spirit, meet Santa and celebrate winter in New Orleans

Krewe of Jingle Parade

December 7, 2019 Event

The official New Orleans holiday parade delights locals and visitors

NOLA Holiday Lights

late November–early January Event

Yet another reason to celebrate in New Orleans

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge

all year round Activity

The world's longest continious bridge over a body of water

Cinco de Mayo

May 5 Event

A great excuse to party and indulge in delicious Mexican foods

State Fair of Louisiana

October 30–November 17, 2024 Event

Dancing poodles, rodeo and other traditional entertainment

Louisiana Renaissance Festival

November 2–December 8, 2024 (weekends only) Event

One great adventure with a theater, a theme park, and an educational experience

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

March 21–24, 2024 Event

A delicious showcase of Cajun cuisine and seafood

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

April 12-14, 2024 Event

The largest free berry festival in Louisiana

Washington Parish Free Fair

October 16-20, 2024 Event

The largest free fair and rodeo in America

Mudbug Madness Festival

May 24-26, 2024 Event

One of the biggest and most popular Cajun festivals in Louisiana

Louisiana Marathon

January 18-19, 2025 Event

A fast and flat race followed by a vibrant Louisiana-style celebration

Christmas Lights in Louisiana

mid-November–early January Event

The best and the brightest displays in the Pelican State

Natchitoches Christmas Festival

November 23, 2024–January 6, 2025 Event

Treat yourself to the oldest community-based holiday lights display in America

Lafayette Mardi Gras

February 2–3, 2024 | February 9–13, 2024 Event

The flamboyant and authentic carnival of Southern Louisiana

Lake Charles Mardi Gras

February 13, 2024 Event

A family-friendly celebration with plenty of parades and delicious food

Greater Baton Rouge State Fair

October 24–November 3, 2024 Event

Family event with over 50 years of history and a social mission

Southwest Louisiana Hot Air Balloon and Kite Festival

June-October 2024 Event

One of the largest ballooning events in the state

New Year in New Orleans

December 31–January 1 Event

Fleur De Lis drop and a fireworks display over the Mississippi on New Year's Eve and college football on New Year's Day—New Orleans knows how to celebrate in style

New Year's Eve in Baton Rouge

December 31–January 1 Event

Baton Rouge blends a traditional year-end party with a local version of the midnight ball drop

Hummingbirds

late February–early October Nature

Your backyard could become the "first port in the storm" for these tiny fellows having just flown hundreds of miles above the open waters

Baltimore Oriole

April–September Nature

Attracted by fruits and nectar, these birds are often spotted in the gardens

Whooping Cranes

October 1–February 28 Nature

The tallest and one of the rarest birds in North America

Fifolet Halloween Parade

October 27, 2024 Event

One of the most popular fall events in Louisiana

Chennault International Airshow

May 19–21, 2023 Event

Behold the thrilling performances by the US Blue Angels and other fabled jets

Comic Con New Orleans

January 10-12, 2025 Event

The largest popular culture event in Louisiana

Louisiana Comic Con

March 8-9, 2025 Event

The annual fan convention at Cajundome

Baton Rouge 4th of July Fireworks, Shows, Events & Parades

July 3–4, 2024 Event

Dress your best red, white, and blue, and come to salute Independence with fireworks on the river!

Red River Balloon Rally

July 12–13, 2024 Event

The largest hot air balloon festival in North Louisiana

Defenders of Liberty Air Show

March 29–30, 2025 Event

A weekend packed with amazing displays at the premier strategic bomber base

Red, White and Blue Airshow

May 3-5, 2025 Event

Spectacular aeronautic performances and static aircraft displays

Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow

October 18–19, 2025 Event

A memorable getaway for the whole family!

Satchmo SummerFest

August 3-4, 2024 Event

A birthday party of a founding father of jazz—Louis Satchmo Armstrong

Lousiana Pirate Festival

early May Event

One of the best pirate festivals in the United States

New Orleans Memorial Day Weekend Events

May 24–27, 2024 Event

Welcome summer in The Crescent City with an array of fun-filled activities

Krampus Parade in New Orleans

December 7, 2024 Event

Embrace the spookiness of Alpine traditions this holiday season

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